Taiwan mainland spouses face scrutiny over loyalty amid rising tensions

In Taiwan, approximately 369,000 mainland spouses are facing increasing scrutiny regarding their national identity and political loyalty due to rising tensions with China. This community includes diverse generations, ranging from those who married retired Chinese soldiers for economic reasons to younger, highly educated professionals.

Li Chen-hsiu, a China-born lawmaker who immigrated to Taiwan through marriage, recently served two months in the Taiwan Legislature before being forced out. Her tenure highlighted the challenges faced by mainland spouses in the political sphere. As fears of a potential military invasion by China grow, Taiwan's policies toward these citizens have become increasingly complex and, according to some, discriminatory.